The Leadership Academy is a great way to get involved at the state leadership level. Graduates of the Leadership Academy are highly sought after to fill positions at both state and national levels, allowing for an immediate impact to be realized post-graduation. For those trying to find their way to make a difference in leadership, this has been a tremendous pipeline for those wanting to get involved!”
– Dr. Seth Walbridge, Leadership Academy Co-Chair
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Leadership Academy. It was easy to fit into my busy personal and work schedule, as there were only a few in-person meetings. I felt the academy prepared me for running a formal meeting, learning about parliamentary procedure and utilizing DiSC analyses in group settings. The cherry on top was the mentorship – it gave me the opportunity to ask questions and get guidance, on both Leadership Academy-related and other things, in a smaller two- or three-person group.
I highly recommend all to consider applying for next year’ s class.” – Dr. Alison King, 2024 Graduate
I had a fantastic experience in the Leadership Academy and would like to highlight several key features. The schedule was very accommodating to my busy personal and work life, with most sessions being online in the evenings and only a few in-person meetings.
The academy equipped me with the skills to build high-performance teams, develop organizational acumen, and achieve operational excellence. The inclusion of DiSC assessment( personality and behavioral style) was particularly beneficial, providing insights about myself and shedding light on the people around me. This helped me connect with many colleagues from different regions of Pennsylvania. The ADA lobby day was an extraordinary experience, allowing us to meet many leaders in our field, visit Capitol Hill, represent our state, and advocate for significant issues in the constantly advancing domain of dentistry.
The most exciting aspect was the mentorship. It gave me the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on both Leadership Academy-related matters and other daily office events. I highly recommend that all my colleagues consider applying for next year’ s class.
– Dr. Jyoti Dangi, 2025 Graduate
I truly enjoyed my experience in the Leadership Academy and gained some invaluable skills from the program, like insight into effective and intentional leadership. Using the DiSC personality assessment helped deepen my self-awareness and enhance my understanding of how different communication styles influence team dynamics. It helped me analyze and hone in on my personal leadership style, and broadened my perspective on various approaches to leadership, like collaboration and leading with compassion. It also helped me better understand parliamentary procedure, which has been very helpful for me as president of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists( AADEJ) and class president in my Orthodontic residency program.
I learned how to more effectively lead efficient, structured and productive meetings with confidence and clarity, ensuring that everyone’ s voice is heard. The mentorship and connection with other dental professionals further enriched my journey, providing guidance, perspective and a supportive network of colleagues committed to advancing both the profession and one another.
– Dr. Jasmine Shafagh, 2022 Graduate
MARCH / APRIL 2026 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 15